But some of UTSA’s staunchest financial supporters, including San Antonio entrepreneur Red McCombs, who donated $1 million to UTSA’s athletic program roughly six months ago, say the university should consider opportunities outside the WAC.

“I think they made a brilliant move to get to where they are,” says McCombs about UTSA and its ascent to the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) after only one season. “But if they have the flexibility, then they’ve got to explore their options.”

UTSA set a number of NCAA attendance records for a start-up football program last season.

That success could open new doors for the Roadrunners as multiple conferences look to expand.

Last week, Benson left the WAC to become commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference. His departure comes as the WAC prepares for the defection of three more members — Fresno State, Hawaii and Nevada — to other conferences. Boise State left the WAC in 2011.

Texas State will join UTSA in the WAC this year. The WAC is also adding Denver, Seattle and UT-Arlington. However, those three universities don’t currently have football programs.

“We’re disappointed to lose Benson because he was a great commissioner who had a long history with the WAC,” says UTSA Athletic Director Lynn Hickey.

Some see Benson’s departure as another red flag for a conference that has struggled to retain or attract members.

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